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Thursday, April 24, 2014

Politics and Purpose

April 24: Faith and Politics Religion is more important in American
politics than any other country in the West. It is also a huge
force in global politics beyond the West. For these reasons, it is
useful to probe the question of what role religious belief should
play in secular political life. In the west, is Christianity a
fundamental civilization question that is intrinsic to western
values, irrespective of whether individuals may be Christian or
not. Second, if it does have a place, what does this mean for the
politics of the right and the left? Is it a question of the state
regulating questions of personal morality, concerning for example
gay marriage? Or is it a question of Christian social justice and
concepts of Christian peace both within our countries and in the
world at large? Or is it both? Or should it be neither? What is the
parallel impact of faith within other political cultures? Is it
ultimately possible to perfectly separate religion and politics,
church and state? Suggested Readings: Have a look at a long-from
essay I wrote on this subject before I had a senior position on
Australian politics entitled simply "Faith and Politics." Also
prior to my return to the Prime Ministership last year another
essay explaining the faith-based reasons for changing my position
to support marriage equality. Room: L166 ***All study groups are
off-the-record and not for media coverage***